Joseph William Purcell

Joseph William Purcell, 84, passed away at 6:32 pm on October 29, 2008 at the Rehab & Care Center of Jackson County in Murphysboro. Joe was born on April 29, 1924 to John T. Purcell Sr. and Freda May (Zimmer) Purcell. He was united in marriage to Jane Mitchell at the First Lutheran Church in Murphysboro on July 8, 1948. She survives of Murphysboro. He is also survived by two daughters; Janice Smith and her husband David of Chester, IL., and Nancy Ward and former husband, Steve of Murphysboro, two granddaughters; Allison Ward of St. Louis, MO., and Andrea Gerlach and husband Ryan of Murphysboro. Additionally he leaves one brother; George Purcell of Murphysboro, one sister-in-law; Wilma Purcell of Murphysboro, one brother-in-law; Leroy Mitchell and his wife Joan of Rockford, IL., he also leaves several nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; John T. Purcell Jr., and a niece and nephew. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II with the 130th Infantry, 33rd Division, from 1943 to 1946 during the Pacific Theater as a Heavy Mortar Crewman. He was involved in campaigns and battles on New Guinea and Luzon in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded two bronze stars, infantry medals, and Army WWII medals. He returned to Murphysboro to go into business with his father and brother in the Murphysboro Ice and Cold Storage Co. Joe was a member of the First Christian Church in Murphysboro and the Loyal Men's Sunday School Class at First Christian Church. He also was a member of the American Legion Paul Stout Post 127 of Murphysboro, The V.F.W. Post 7190 of Murphysboro, and the Murphysboro Elks Lodge 572 of Murphysboro. He and his wife Jane were former members of the "Hi Neighbors" Square Dance Club for many years. Memorial services will be held at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 3 pm; Pastor David Hunt of the First Christian Church will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30 to 3 pm. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the First Christian Church of Murphysboro, the Humane Society of Southern Illinois, or to VNA Tip Hospice of Southern Illinois. Private committal services will be at a later date at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.

Joseph William Purcell

April 29, 1924 - October 29, 2008